Hollis Resnick stars as Mother Superior in ‘Sister Act’

RESNICK

Hollis Resnick as Mother Superior in “Sister Act.”

Joan Marcus

Posted
Thursday, March 28, 2013 1:00 pm

Don Fowler

Broadway producers knew a good act when they saw one. That’s why they took the hit movie, “Sister Act,” and turned it into a hit Broadway musical, adding original music by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken.

Hollis Resnik plays Mother Superior in the musical comedy, and she couldn’t be happier with her role.

“She’s a wonderful character,” Hollis told me. “She is stern, holy, caring, and with a sense of humor.”

Hollis has been with the show since rehearsals last August and a successful opening on October 1 in Toronto.

“The show is booked well into 2014 and has been playing to sold-out audiences around the country,” Hollis said.

She is happy to be spending two weeks in Cleveland, again performing before full houses, including her friends and family.

“I was born and brought up in the Cleveland area, and I’m staying at my parents’ house for the run,” she said.

Resnick also went to college in the Cleveland area, earning her MFA in theatre.

“I’m lucky,” she said. “My dad is a music teacher and theatre was in my blood. I got involved at an early age. I think my first experience was in the ensemble of ‘Cyrano.’ And now this is how I make my living.”

“Sister Act” will be her first time in Rhode Island.

“The first thing I do is find a gym and tennis courts and a place to practice Argentine Tango.”

I could help her with the first two.

Hollis says that she loves the music, which is a “throwback to 1978,” unlike the movie, which took place in 1992.

“The ensemble numbers are amazing. The singers and the audiences just go crazy.”

If you didn’t see the movie, the story is about Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in a convent. There’s a bit of a culture clash until she helps her fellow sisters find their voices.

You’ll have a chance to get in on the (sister) act April 9-14 at the Providence Performing Arts Center April 9-14. For reservations call 421-ARTS.